Cardboard Boat Race
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This amazingly popular and successful project started in the Design 201 class taught by Davis Pratt at Southern Illinois University in the late 1960's. From its beginnings as a class project it has grown into cardboard boat races held across the country and has even been televised on CNN.

It is a simple project that is doable for young elementary students but challenging for engineering students in college as well.

The Challenge

Design and build a human-powered boat made of corrugated cardboard which is capable of completing at least one trip around a 200-yard course.

You must construct the boat using only  tape, glue and paint for protective coatings and to hold the craft together.  Though you may paint the boat with as many coats as you wish, you may not seal the boat in plastic, wrap or some other material. Seams and joints may be caulked, taped and painted.

The boat must have sides and the crew (at least two people) must sit inside it throughout the race. No making a cardboard kickboard!

Boat must be propelled by paddle or oars or some sort of paddlewheel or prop powered by human energy: pedaling, for instance. Windpower is acceptable but not encouraged as paddling is usually faster.

You may NOT use any other materials to contribute to the structural rigidity or the craft's floatation ability. Cardboard only!

Materials you will need

caulk
liquid nails
paint\
masking tape
paper tape
corrugated cardboard (4X8 ft. sheets)

Tools you will need

paint brush
chalk line
utility knife
tape measurer/ruler
clamps
caulking gun
wood 2”X4” (for bracing when clamping)
bucket/wate

Equipment you will need

paddles
life jacket for each crew member

A big pond or shallow lake inlet